Automatic washer having means to launder delicate fabrics



Nov. 17,1970 R. A. BRENNER 3,540,239

AUTOMATIC WASHER HAVING MEANS TO LAUNDER DELICATE FABRICS Filed June 4,1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I N VENTOK 5055?? ,4. fiee/w gg Nov. 17, 1970 R.A. BRENNER AUTOMATIC WASHER HAVING MEANS TO LAUNDER DELICATE FABRICSFiled June 4. 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I'Ooooooooo |IOOOOOOOOOO Ill/Ill]INVIENIUR Eaaeer l4. flea/Wee 3,540,239 AUTOMATIC WASHER HAVING MEANS TLAUNDER DELICATE FABRICS Robert A. Brenner, St. Joseph, Mich., assignorto Whirlpool Corporation, Benton Harbor, Mich., a corporation ofDelaware Filed June 4, 1968, Ser. No. 734,336 Int. Cl. D06f 33/00, 31/00US. Cl. 68-12 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Automatic washingmachine including separate treatment zones for laundering regular anddelicate fabrics separately or simultaneously. The laundry liquid usedin the regular fabric treatment zone may be utilized to establishdelicate agitation in the delicate fabric treatment zone by establishinga predetermined flow pattern of laundry liquid passing through theseparate zone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This invention is inthe field of automatic washing machines employing a separate chamber forthe washing of delicate fabrics, either concurrently with orindependently of the washing of fabrics in the main washing chamber ofthe machine.

Description of the prior art Conventionally, when delicate fabrics arewashed in the main washing chamber of an automatic washing machine, theoperation is adjusted to a separate cycle wherein is varied the durationof cycle periods and speed and frequency of centrifugation andagitation. Batch operation precludes simultaneous handling of bothregular and delicate fabrics.

The present invention provides a compartment or treatment zone separatefrom the main washing chamber or treatment zone in which delicatefabrics can be laundered independently of or concurrently with a regularwash. Means are provided to induce a gentle agitation of the delicatefabrics during their washing. In one form of the invention the separatezone is provided in the laundry liquid recirculation circuit of themachine. A plurality of nozzles for introducing the laundry liquid intothe chamber are disposed in such a fashion as to provide a rotating flowpattern for the liquid, causing the fabrics to be rolled over and hencethoroughly agitated in the presence of a laundry liquid within thedelicate goods treatment Zone.

The inclusion of a separate treating chamber of a sort in a washingmachine has been shown in US. Pat. No. 3,209,560. However, this patentis addressed to the pretreatment of clothes having excessively soiledportions. The patent discloses a pretreatment receptacle which isremovably supported in the charging opening of top loading automaticwashers. A nozzle directs wash water being recirculated into thereceptacle, whereupon it fills to a level determined by an overflowopening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The automatic washing machine of the presentinvention employs a delicate fabric washing chamber which is separatefrom the main laundry chamber and may be formed as part of the laundryliquid recirculation circuit by means of which laundry liquid isrecirculated to the main washing chamber. Preferably, this recirculationlaundry liquid is introduced into the delicate fabric chamher through aplurality of spaced nozzles whereby a suba. ted States Patent stantiallycircular rotating flow pattern is set up, causing the fabrics containedin the chamber to roll over and thus be gently agitated during theirwashing cycle. Liquid from the delicate fabric chamber is directed intothe main washing chamber of the machine. Control means may also beprovided in conjunction with the usual liquid level control means in themain washing chamber to permit operation of the pump at a liquid levellower than would ordinarily exist, in the event the delicate fabrics areto be laundered at a time when there is no load in the main washingchamber, thereby permitting a delicate goods cycle to be accomplishedwholly independently and with a greatly reduced quantity of laundryliquid.

With the delicate fabric laundering chamber of the present invention, itis thus possible to provide simultaneous washing of ordinary fabrics anddelicate fabrics. The manner of introducing a laundry liquid into thedelicate fabric laundering chamber assures that there will be completeand effective laundering of fabrics with a high degree of washability,regardless of the type of goods being laundered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, partlyexploded view illustrating an automatic washing machine embodying oneform of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective of the washing machine assembly with thedoor open illustrating the manner in which a filter can be employed inconjunction with the delicate fabric washing assembly;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the washing machine assembly illustratingthe liquid circulating system;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of the corner of the washing machinein which the delicate fabric washing assembly is included;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the chamber for washing delicatefabrics; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line VIVIof FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIGS. 1 and2, reference numeral 10 indicates generally a washing machine cabinetfor an automatic washing machine, the machine having a top 11 in whichthere is provided a hinged access door 12 which, in the closed position,overlies a well 13. A perforate basket 14 is supported in spacedrelation to a tub 15, and a vertical axis agitator 16 is disposedcentrally of the basket 14 in the usual manner. A control console 17projects from a splashboard 18 and is provided with a plurality ofcontrols including a program selecting switch 19 and a pressure switch20, the function of which will become apparent from a succeeding portionof this description.

In accordance with the present invention, a delicate fabric washingassembly as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6 is provided as a part of arecirculation circuit of a laundry appliance. More specifically, avertical axis upright washer having a main treatment zone formed by atop loading spin basket is characterized by an elongated upright tankwhich is disposed in one corner between a generally rectangular outercasing and a generally cylindrical tub and which forms a supplementaltreatment zone wholly independent of the main treatment zone. Thiswashing assembly is arranged to be received into the interior of thecabinet 10 through an opening 21 provided for that purpose. The washingassembly includes a shell 22 having an upstanding collar 23 of reducedwidth formed thereon and having an overflow outlet 24 formed therein.The inlet for the shell 22 is provided by an inlet conduit 25 having afitting 26 on the end thereof enabling it to be tightly engaged withsuitable piping from the liquid recirculating portion of the automaticwashing machine. A tube 27 having a slightly smaller periphery than thecollar 23 is received within the collar 23 in telescoping engagement.The tube 27 carries a tray 28 which is proportioned to be receivedwithin the opening 21 and has a hinged door 29 providing access to theinterior of the washing chamber for introducing the delicate fabricstherein.

As best seen in FIGS. and 6, the inlet conduit 25 which delivers thewashing liquid to the assembly directs liquid into a duct 31 and into aconduit 32 positioned on one side of the shell 22. The liquid flowingthrough the duct 31 passes through a slot 33 with an upward component ofvelocity. A portion of the liquid passing up the conduit 32 is directedthrough a port 34 and into a slot 35 having a reduced cross-sectionalarea to form a nozzle providing a jet eifect and delivering the fluidinto the stream with a generally horizontal component. The remainder ofthe stream passing through the conduit 32 is delivered through a slot 36of reduced cross-sectional area providing a nozzle which directs thefluid in a jet having a generally downward direction. The result is theestablishment of a flow pattern for the laundry liquid of a generallycircular configuration, whereby eflicient washing action is obtainedsince the clothes contained in the chamber are subjected to roll over, amild form of agitation which is not destructive to the clothes, butwhich insures adequate fiber flexure in the presence of a Washing agent.

As best seen in FIG. 6, one wall of the washing chamber has apertures 37extending substantially the full length thereof, whereby the fluid inthe washing chamber can pass into an overflow or discharge chamber 38.The chamber 38, when full, discharges through the peripheral outlet 24into the tub of the main washing compartment.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the overflow outlet 24 may be provided with aremovable filter element 39 to remove lint and the like from therecirculating liquid. Removable filters of that type are described indetail in Glendening US. Pat. No. 2,936,604.

Turning now to FIG. 3, it will be seen that the tub 15 is provided witha sump manifold 41 into which its liquid contents are drained. The sumpmanifold 41 has a pair of spaced outlets 42 and 43, the outlet 42 beingconnected to a conduit 44 and the outlet 43 being connected to a conduit45. The latter is connected to the inlet 25 of the delicate fabricwashing chamber. A check valve 46 is disposed between the outlet 42 andthe outlet 43.

In accordance with this invention, a reversible water pump 47 beginsdrawing water with only a minimum amount of liquid available. The liquidfrom the tub is directed through the outlet 42, the conduit 44, past acheck valve 8 through the pump 47, into the outlet 43, and into theconduit 45 to the delicate fabric washing chamber. The water is thendistributed by the slots 33, 35 and 36 with a flow pattern substantiallyas shown by the arrows appearing in FIG. 5. When the liquid level risesto the overflow outlet 24, the liquid is dumped back into the main tub15. During the washing cycle, the check valve 46 prevents liquid frombeing pumped back into the main tub.

When the chamber is to be drained, the flow of the pump 47 is reversedand liquid is drained out through the conduit 45, into the pump 47 anddischarged therefrom through a drain conduit 49 which connects to asuitable exterior drain. A check valve 48 in this instance prevents thedrain water from being pumped back into the tub 15.

With the arrangement provided, the delicate fabric washing operation canbe carried on simultaneously with, or independently of a regular wash inthe main treatment zone. Further, such versatility may be achieved bypreselection for the fabrics contained in the basket 14 by operation ofthe selector switch 19. To launder delicate fabrics independently oflaundering in the main tub, the assembly includes a sensing devicegenerally indicated at reference numeral 50 in FIG. 3 and consisting ofa liquid level sensor which operates to turn on the pump 47 at arelatively low level of liquid in the tub. The sensing device 50 isunder the control of the switch 2% on the console. Consequently, theuser may initiate recirculation of the laundry liquid through thedelicate fabric washing chamber by operation of the switch 20 at asubstantially lower liquid level than would be required for energizationof the pump 47 during normal washing cycles, thereby effecting asubstantial saving in the amount of water and detergent.

Although various modifications might be suggested by those versed in theart, it should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope ofthe patent warranted hereon all such modifications as reasonably andproperly come wtihin the scope of my contribution to the art.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. In a washing machine including a cabinet,

a main washing tub disposed within said cabinet, and

a pump arranged to recirculate laundry liquid from the bottom of saidtub to the top thereof,

the improvement which comprises a delicate fabric chamber in saidcabinet separate from said tub,

presettable control means for selectively diverting the output of saidpump into said chamber at two difierent levels in said tub, and

overflow means directing the laundry liquid overflowing from saidchamber back into said tub, whereby a delicate fabric operation can becarried on simultaneously with or independent of a regular wash in themain washing tub.

2. In a washing machine including a cabinet,

a tub disposed within said cabinet, and

a pump arranged to recirculate laundry liquid from the bottom of saidtub to the top thereof,

the improvement which comprises a chamber in said cabinet separate fromsaid tub,

means for selectively diverting the output of said pump into saidchamber, and

overflow means directing the laundry liquid overflowing from saidchamber back into said tub,

nozzle means in said chamber establishing a flow pattern of liquidtherein suflicient to agitate the fabrics being washed in said chamber,

at least one nozzle positioned in a generally downward direction and atleast one other nozzle positioned in a generally horizontal direction tothereby provide a flow pattern in said chamber which causes the fabricstherein to roll over during the washing operation.

3. In a washing machine including a cabinet,

a tub disposed within said cabinet, and

a pump arranged to recirculate laundry liquid from the bottom of saidtub to the top thereof,

the improvement which comprises a chamber in said cabinet separate fromsaid tub,

means for selectively diverting the output of said pump into saidchamber, and

overflow means directing the laundry liquid overflowing from saidchamber back into said tub,

said overflow means including a removable filter.

4. The machine of claim 3 which includes nozzle means in said chamberdisposed to establish a flow pattern of liquid therein to roll over thefabrics being washed in said chamber.

5. In a washing machine including a cabinet,

a tub disposed within said cabinet, and

a pump arranged to recirculate laundry liquid from the bottom of saidtub to the top thereof,

the improvement which comprises a chamber in said cabinet separate fromsaid tub,

means for selectively diverting the output of said pump into saidchamber,

overflow means directing the laundry liquid overflowing from saidchamber back into said tub,

a sump manifold receiving the laundry liquid from said tub,

a conduit connecting said sump manifold with said drain means in saidsump manifold for discharging the contents thereof to a drain,

a discharge means in said sump manifold for directing the contentsthereof to the inlet of said chamber, and

a check valve in said manifold between said discharge means and saiddrain means.

6. In a washing machine including a cabinet,

a tub disposed within said cabinet, and

a pump arranged to recirculate laundry liquid from the bottom of saidtub to the top thereof,

the improvement which comprises a chamber in said cabinet separate fromsaid tub,

means for selectively diverting the output of said pump into saidchamber, and

overflow means directing the laundry liquid overflowing from saidchamber back into said tub,

said chamber having a perforate wall dividing said chamber into awashing chamber and an overflow chamber communicating with said overflowmeans.

7 A washer comprising:

means forming a main treatment zone into which a batch of materials tobe laundered together with a quantity of laundry liquid may be charged,

means including said main treatment zone forming a closed hydrauliccircuit,

a pump at one point in said circuit having an inlet communicating with alower portion of said main treatment zone for recirculating the laundryliquid in the circuit in the form of a stream,

and means forming a second treatment zone at a second point in saidcircuit between said first point and said main treatment zone,

and nozzle means receiving the liquid discharged by said pump andforming jets directed into said second treatment zone for swirling andagitating the contents thereof,

said second treatment zone having a separate access opening throughwhich a separate batch of materials may be placed for launderingindependently of the materials in said main treatment zone.

8. A washer as defined in claim 7 and further characterized by filtermeans receiving liquid from said second treatment zone and dischargingfiltered laundry liquid into said main treatment zone.

9. The washer of claim 7 and further characterized by liquid level meansin said main treatment zone and sequency control means for said washercooperative with said liquid level means and being pre-settable toinitiate selectively a simultaneous washing program in both treatmentzones,

an independent washing program in said second treatment zone with areduced amount of liquid.

10. In a laundry machine, means forming a closed recirculation circuitcomprising a recirculation system,

recirculating means at one point in said circuit including a pump havingan outlet from and an outlet to said circuit for driving liquid in saidcircuit in the form of a stream at increased pressure,

a main tub at a second point in said circuit for receiving andaccumulating a pool of liquid in which articles to be washed away may beplaced for laundering,

agitation means in said tub for agitating the articles in the presenceof the liquid for effecting a regular wash of normal articles,

means forming a delicate fabrics tub at a third point in said circuitbetween said outlet of said pump and said main tub, and

nozzle means receiving liquid discharged from said pump and directingjets into said delicate fabrics tub to effect a gentle washing ofdelicate fabrics therein.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,836,047 5/1958 Condit 681843,209,560 10/1965 Shelton 68-4 WILLIAM I. PRICE, Primary Examiner US.Cl. X.R.

